Are your monthly utility bills expensive? Most of us don’t realize it, but there are simple, yet efficient ways to lower your electric bill. Here are some things you can try:

1) Consider an Energy Audit

There are many things you could be missing in order to save money on your utility bill that only a professional would know. Nowadays many utility companies offer customers free energy audits, which you can benefit from.

2) Keep Your Fridge and Freezer Full

Most people don’t know this, but keeping your fridge and freezer full will help you save money on your electric bill. The reason why is because food serves as insulation, as a consequence your fridge will run less and stay cool for longer. And of course, it goes without saying that you should try and open the fridge door as little as possible.

3) Line Dry Your Laundry

Sure, electric dryers are very convenient, especially during cold weather, but they can waste a lot of electricity. It is a good idea to line dry your laundry as much as possible by setting a clothesline in your backyard or by using a drying rack.

4) Keep the Sun Out

During hot weather, it’s best to shield your house from the sun, that way your air conditioning won’t need to work as hard to keep your house cool. You can do that by using curtains or installing tinted window film.

5) Rethink Your Light Bulbs

Did you know that LED light bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs? They are more energy-efficient and powerful because of the diode light, while still looking similar to incandescent bulbs. LED light bulbs may cost a bit more than the others, but they come with a great cost-benefit since they last a lot longer than incandescent light.

6) Benefit From Off-Peak Hours

There are certain times and days of the week that there’s more demand for electricity as more people are using it and, consequently the electric rates increase. However, you might be able to benefit from off-peak hours and save up to 80% of your electric usage, thus saving a lot of money. The usual off-peak hours are from 12 AM to 8 AM, and also weekdays, non-holidays.

7) Buy a Programmable Thermostat

There’s a big chance the majority of your electric bill goes towards heating and cooling, so it might be a good idea to invest in a programmable thermostat so that it runs on less power when you’re sleeping or when you’re not home.

8) Substitute Your Air Filters

Air filters work on capturing pollen, dust, and lint so that your heating and cooling work efficiently. Therefore, it’s crucial to check your air filters when doing housework. If they are full, there’s a big chance your appliance might be using more electricity. 

9) Get New Appliances

Has it been a while since you bought new appliances? It’s worth considering investing in new ones if yours are more than 10 years old. Outdated appliances use considerably more electricity than newer models. 

10) Washing Clothes Smartly

There are many things you can do when washing clothes to save money. For instance, wait until you have a considerable amount of dirty clothes, and wash a full load. If they aren’t super dirty, it’s a good idea to wash them in cold water and use dryer balls to speed the drying time. Last, but not least, don’t forget to clean your dryer lint trap to maximize your machine’s efficiency.